Surabaya's nearly 100-year-old legendary spot, I tried it and thought, 'is that all?'
qponx
2026-02-01
Step back in time at Zangrandi, Surabaya's legendary ice cream shop operating since 1930. This review explores its nostalgic, retro atmosphere and classic, old-fashioned ice cream. But does the taste live up to its century-old reputation, or is it more about the historic vibe? Discover the honest take on its famous scoops, from the charming live music nights to the fast-melting reality, plus essential tips on parking, seating, and Halal options before you visit.
Honestly, before coming to Surabaya, countless people raved about Zangrandi to me, saying it's a living fossil-level ice cream shop. Opened in 1930, it's even mentioned in the novel *Laut Bercerita*[1]. When I got to the entrance, wow, this old house with its retro Dutch colonial style really had that vibe. But there were also a lot of people, and I couldn't help but wonder: Is this another one of those places where marketing is better than the taste? 🤔
A Bite Back to the Last Century
Squeezing inside, I instantly felt transported back in time. Old rattan chairs, mottled floor tiles, the air was filled with a nostalgic scent. Indoor air-conditioned seats were pitifully few, most people chose to Nongkrong outside. I recommend coming at night, not only to escape the daytime heat, but also to catch the live band performance[2]. The vibe is just perfect, eating ice cream while listening to music, it's really chill.
After debating for a while, I still ordered the classic Banana Split[3] and the Tutti Frutti[4], which is said to be the original 1930 recipe. The Banana Split portion was quite generous, it came with a solid four scoops of ice cream[5]. It tasted like what I ate as a child, not overly sweet, and the chocolate and mocha flavors were very rich. Mantap!
But To Be Honest…
Taste is truly a matter of personal preference. The ice cream melted incredibly fast, it started dripping after just two photos. People who love it adore this 'old-fashioned taste,' feeling it's a wave of childhood nostalgia; but for my palate, which has been spoiled by new-style Gelato, it definitely lacked a bit of surprise. Anjay, I can only say, you're paying for the nostalgia.
Exclusive Tips for Veterans 📝
So, would you pay for this century-old nostalgia? Let's chat in the comments!
- Don't drive here! There's almost no parking, you'll question your life choices trying to find a spot on the street[6]. Grab/Gojek are your best friends.
- Be cautious with kids! The outdoor area is a smoking zone[7], it's smoky, not very kid-friendly.
- Halal Alert! Some ice creams contain rum[8], so if you want Halal options, remember to ask before ordering!
- Seating options: If you want air conditioning, you'll have to come early to grab a seat, otherwise, you'll just have to experience Surabaya's warmth outside 🔥. However, the shop provides free water, which is a thoughtful touch.
- Surabaya's living fossil ice cream shop, open since 1930. Even 《Laut Bercerita》 features it [1].
- At night, enjoy ice cream in the retro Dutch colonial house, with a live band's chill vibe [2].
- Taste 1930 original recipe Tutti Frutti, or a hearty four-scoop classic Banana Split [3][4]. Instantly transports you to childhood memories!
Similar Articles
Surabaya G WALK Real Review: Indecisive's Paradise, or Driver's Hell?
G WALK in Surabaya is a foodie's paradise but a driver's nightmare. This review dives into the sprawling street food hub, celebrated for its vibrant night market atmosphere and hundreds of stalls. Discover a United Nations of cuisine, from local Indonesian delights to international fare. While the sheer variety is a dream for the indecisive, the article also warns about the chaotic traffic and offers essential tips—like ditching the car and bringing cash—to best navigate this bustling culinary destination.
Germaphobes, scroll away now! This Surabaya God-tier Fried Duck is only for the strong!
This Surabaya fried duck joint is a true hidden gem, but it's not for the faint-hearted. Brace yourself for a chaotic, no-frills environment, because the reward is a "God-tier" meal. The duck boasts unbelievably crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat that falls right off the bone. Paired with a signature sambal, this incredibly cheap street food is a must-try for adventurous foodies. The article shares essential tips for navigating this legendary but challenging dining experience.
Surabaya Parents, Assemble! Found the city's ultimate nursing room, but the downsides were jaw-dropping…
Discover Surabaya's Galaxy Mall 3, a spacious and modern destination for family outings. It boasts a vast selection of shops, diverse food choices, and a photo-worthy skybridge. A major highlight for parents is the exceptionally large and clean nursing room, considered one of the city's best. However, the experience isn't perfect. This review also uncovers some jaw-dropping downsides, including poor accessibility for people with disabilities, inconsistent air conditioning, and potential security concerns you should know about before visiting.
Surabaya's 'Black Sauce Duck': What makes it legendary? It's simply this unparalleled taste!
Discover Surabaya's legendary Bebek Carok, a local hotspot famed for its mind-blowing Bebek Bumbu Hitam (Black Sauce Fried Duck). The duck is fried to perfection with crispy skin and tender meat, but the real star is the unparalleled black sauce—a complex, savory, and aromatic flavor bomb. For the ultimate experience, pair it with zesty Sambal Mangga and fragrant Kecombrang Rice. It's a must-try for anyone seeking bold and authentic Indonesian street food.